We often see celebrities on expensive vacays with their impeccable collection of designer bags, but being an artista isn't an automatic ticket to luxury. Case in point: Jennica Garcia, who started her acting career in 2007, admits that she planned to become an overseas Filipino worker amid her struggle to find projects in the Philippines.
“Gusto ko man sabihin na… Masarap man lumabas sa bibig na ‘I was handpicked for this role,’ hindi po talaga yun yung nangyari,” she shares in her recent interview talking about how she landed her role in the 2023 teleserye Dirty Linen.
"Seven years po akong nag-artista, seven years din po akong tumigil. Pagbalik ko po nakagawa ako ng isang proyekto, tapos wala na pong sumunod. It was almost six months of no work."
The actress reveals that she was the one who reached out to ABS-CBN to ask if she can land a role in a project. "I sent a [message] to sir Deo [Endrinal] asking for work. Naisip ko, 'Sige ito na, kakapalan ko na yung mukha ko.' Kasi dalawa po yung anak ko."
She continued, "Naisip ko na rin po noon na, 'Sige okay lang, kapag hindi ako nabigyan, mag-o-OFW na lang ako."
Jennica admits feeling pressured to find work in the industry because acting is all she's ever known, so she made sure to give her best in breathing life into her character. "Alam ko na they didn't think of me when our writers when making Lala into the character that she is today, kaya pinag-igihan ko po talaga."
It's undeniable that you are one talented actress, Jennica. We're cheering you on!
Parenting from miles away
A previous Smart Parenting article explains that communication is the key for families with one or two parents who are OFWs. It's also important to make sure that your child will have a guardian whom you trust and will provide consistency for your child.
If you are considering becomig an overseas Filipino worker, read this article to know what you might have to consider as an OFW parent.
To read a list of work from home opportunities, check out this list.
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This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph.
*Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.